Michael Saunders led off the game with a single and then advanced to third when McHugh’s pick off move got by first baseman Chris Carter. Robinson Cano scored Saunders with a ground ball toward first that went about 45 feet. Saunders got a good jump on the ball from third and hustled home. It helps that Carter isn’t exactly Mark Grace over at first either.

Maurer worked a scoreless first inning, shaking off a two-out walk to Jason Castro.

Mariners 1, Astros 0

Second inning

McHugh worked a 1-2-3 inning.

Maurer gave up a solo home on a 3-2 belt high fastball to Alex Presley. But Maurer retired the next three in a row to end the inning.

Mariners 1, Astros 1

Third inning

The Mariners have broken this game open against McHugh. Willie Bloomquist delivered a two-run double, Cano drove in his second run of the game with a RBI single and Corey Hart added an RBI single for a four run third inning to take a 5-1 lead.

Maurer worked 1-2-3 winning.

Mariners 5, Astros 1

Fourth inning

The Mariners add another run as Buck doubles to deep center off of Tal’s Hill. He scored on Michael Saunders’ single to right field.

It’s never going to be simple. Maurer gives up a two-run double to Chris Carter to make it 6-3. Ackley made a nice try on the play, but making leaping catches against the walls just aren’t something I expect from him these days.

Mariners 6, Astros 3

Fifth inning

The Mariners add a run on a bases loaded walk from Ackley. It should have been more. But Buck grounded into a double play to end the inning.

Maurer gave up a lead-off homer to Villar. And he was in more trouble with runners on second and third, but he was able to retire Castro, Dominguez and Presley to end the inning.

Mariners 7, Astros 4

Sixth inning

Jerome Williams, in his second inning of work – gets the Astros first 1-2-3 inning.

Maurer is done after 88 pitches. It was a so-so start. He went five innings, giving up four runs on six hits with two walks and three strikeouts. Wilhelmsen pitches a 1-2-3 sixth in relief.

Seventh inning

Williams works a 1-2-3 inning

Wilhelmsen works a 1-2-3 inning, which included somehow catching a line drive comebacker at his chest off the bat of Dexter Fowler.

Mariners 7, Astros 4

Eighth inning

The Mariners tacked on another run. Stefen Romero doubled, moved to third on Ackley’s situational out and John Buck delivered his third hit of the game – a RBI single to right to make it 8-4.